Does Maca Root Contain Hormones?

One of maca’s foremost reported benefits is its balancing effect on hormones in both men and women. For the most part, this is associated with improving libido and boosting fertility. But your hormones influence so much more than your sex drive. Maca root’s adaptogenic effects can impact the way you experience menopause, build muscle while working out, and more besides. How does maca root affect so many of your body’s hormonal functions?

Are There Hormones in Maca Root?

Maca root contains neither estrogen or testosterone - in fact, it contains no hormones whatsoever. Despite this, one of maca’s many associated benefits is its positive impact on hormone health.

While HRT has been very successful in mitigating hormone imbalance in men and women, it sometimes does so with harsh side effects. This has resulted in many patients seeking homeopathic treatments with limited success. If you believe you’re experiencing serious health issues due to hormone deficiencies, your first step should be to consult with a licensed medical professional.

But sometimes, all you need is a way to even out some imbalance in the hormone levels produced by your adrenals. And organic maca root can do just that. 

Maca Root for Menopause

In the Peruvian Andes where maca has been harvested for many generations, it’s celebrated as a remedy for issues with fertility, fatigue, and more. Menopause is one issue which maca has long been affiliated with. Studies have found that consuming maca root produced an antidepressant-like effect in subjects in addition to relieving symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats. And a double-blind study performed in 2015 found that both premenopausal and postmenopausal women who regularly consumed maca for a period of twelve weeks testified to a markedly increased sex drive. 

Maca Root and Testosterone

While maca root doesn’t contain testosterone, it doeshave a positive effect on the libido as well as production and quality of sperm. This is because maca root is an adaptogen, which are “herbs, roots, and other plant substances [...] that help our bodies manage stress and restore balance.” Though studies don’t seem to indicate that consuming maca root actually raises serum testosterone levels, it does produce effects like increased energy and strength and reduced incidents of ED. The evidence suggests that men adding maca to their diets consistently and in combination with regular exercise may see their body stimulated to produce naturally-occurring hormones more effectively.  

Which Maca Should I Take for Hormone Imbalance?

Historically, all three colors of maca root - red, yellow, and black - were consumed as a tri-color blend with no separation. But modern research has found that the different colors of maca root do possess some unique benefits. Most notably, red maca has become more closely associated with fertility and libido in women, while black maca can impact the body in ways that a masculine-presenting person might prefer, mostly with regard to facilitating the development of muscle mass. 

Any Questions?

Our Maca Finder product selection tool can help you identify a good maca product to start with based on your size, your activity levels, and your desired results. You might also consider trying one of our maca sample sets to test out different maca root colors and formulations.

If you have any more questions about our maca root products, we’d love to hear them! Don’t hesitate to Contact Us using our web form, or call us toll-free at 888-919-8616.

Enjoy the day!